A Simple Guide to Spirits

Learn the basics about some of the most popular liquors out there and you'll be mixing up perfect party cocktails in no time. By: Brooke Smith

Rosemary Lemon Drop
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro
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Vodka

Colorless and relatively neutral tasting, vodka provides a versatile base for mixing cocktails. Distilled to a high strength and then filtered through charcoal to remove impurities before bottling, vodka can be made from a wide range of materials including grains, potatoes and even grapes. This ubiquitous spirit can vary in quality and texture from harsh with a “bite” to soft, creamy and smooth. Originally hailing from Eastern Europe but now made all over the world, vodka mixes well with a diverse array of fruit juices and fresh herbs. Combine the two with vodka for a simple, yet flavorful Rosemary Lemon Drop cocktail.

Steal: Seagram’s Vodka

Splurge: Square One Organic Vodka

 

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